Best National Parks in the UK for Outdoor Adventures

Discover the most breathtaking national parks in the UK, perfect for hiking, camping, and water activities with family and pets. Whether you’re scaling peaks, wandering through ancient woodlands, or pitching a tent under a sky full of stars, these parks are the ultimate escape into nature.

The UK is home to 15 national parks, each offering something unique. These aren’t just protected landscapes, they are adventure playgrounds, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to high-altitude hikes that test your endurance. If you’re after coastal walks, wild swimming, or a peaceful camping spot, there’s a national park in the UK waiting to be explored.

The best part? You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy them. Some parks cater to thrill-seekers craving a challenge, while others offer easy, family-friendly trails, dog-friendly routes, and stunning picnic spots with views straight out of a postcard.

In this guide, we’re diving into the best national parks in the UK for different types of outdoor adventures. We’ll cover the best time to visit national parks, hidden gems worth discovering, and, in some locations, where you can take your experience even higher with a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes.

So, lace up your boots, pack for all weather conditions (because, let’s face it, British weather loves a surprise), and get ready to explore the UK’s most stunning and underrated national parks.

In this guide, we’re diving into the best national parks in the UK for different types of outdoor adventures. We’ll cover the best time to visit national parks, hidden gems worth discovering, and, in some locations, where you can take your experience even higher with a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes.

So, lace up your boots, pack for all weather conditions (because, let’s face it, British weather loves a surprise), and get ready to explore the UK’s most stunning and underrated national parks.

Lake District National Park

Size: 2,362 km² (Largest national park in England)

Region: Cumbria, North West England

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Home to Scafell Pike: England’s highest peak at 978 metres, with a mix of easy and challenging routes

✔️ Over 3,100 km of walking trails, from peaceful lakefront strolls to high-altitude mountain hikes

✔️ Dog-friendly, with miles of pet-friendly trails and lakes perfect for a splash

✔️ Inspiring landscapes, famous for poets, artists, and adventurers alike

Best Hiking Trails:

• Catbells Lakeland Walk: A short but rewarding hike with panoramic views over Derwentwater. This scenic route is beginner-friendly and a great choice for a sunrise or sunset walk.
• Helvellyn via Striding Edge: For experienced hikers, this thrilling ridge walk is one of the UK’s most exciting routes. The exposed path requires confidence but offers breathtaking summit views.
• Buttermere Circular: A gentle lakeside stroll, ideal for families and dog walkers, and very popular for birdwatching. The calm waters beautifully reflect the surrounding peaks in every season.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (April – June): Wildflowers in bloom, perfect for scenic hikes
• Autumn (September – October): Crisp air and golden-hued fells make for stunning views
• Summer (July – August): The busiest season, but early morning hikes help beat the crowds

See the Lake District from Above: 

If you want to appreciate the beauty of this national park in all its glory, you can take a lake district hot air balloon ride and experience the stunning scenery from above. Drifting high above the rolling fells, sparkling lakes, and charming villages offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of this breathtaking national gem.

Snowdonia National Park

Size: 2,176 km²

Region: Gwynedd, North Wales

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): The highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres

✔️ Over 1,400 miles of hiking trails, ranging from woodland walks to ridge-line scrambles

✔️ Spectacular waterfalls, like Swallow Falls and Aber Falls, make for scenic detours

✔️ Plenty of family-friendly routes, with choices ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs

Best Hiking Trails:

• Llanberis Path: The most popular and gentlest route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Though the longest, its gradual ascent makes it a great choice for beginners and families.
• Miners’ Track & Pyg Track: Two scenic routes from Pen y Pass, with the Pyg Track offering a steep, rugged climb and the Miners’ Track starting gently before a challenging ascent to Yr Wyddfa’s summit.
• Cwm Idwal Walk: A breathtaking glacial valley trail, rich in history and geology, with both challenging and easier routes for all explorers.

There’s something magical about spending a night in the great outdoors, especially when you’re surrounded by some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re pitching a tent in the remote wilderness, setting up in a family-friendly campsite, or simply rolling out a sleeping bag under the stars, these national parks offer some of the best camping experiences in the UK.

And if you’re a stargazing enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. With vast, dark skies free from light pollution, these parks offer some of the clearest night skies in the country, making them ideal for spotting constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way.

Northumberland National Park

Size: 1,049 km²

Region: North East England

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Home to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in Europe for stargazing

✔️ Wild camping-friendly, with plenty of remote spots for an authentic outdoor adventure

✔️ Family-friendly campsites with great facilities, perfect for those who prefer comfort with their camping

✔️ Scenic walking trails through rolling hills and ancient woodlands

Best Camping & Stargazing Spots:

• Kielder Forest: The best stargazing spot in the UK, with crystal-clear skies and observatories nearby. Recognised as a Dark Sky Park, it offers unparalleled night sky views, making it perfect for astrophotography.
• Hadrian’s Wall Campsites: A mix of basic and well-equipped sites near the historic Hadrian’s Wall Path. These campsites provide easy access to Roman history, scenic trails, and breathtaking countryside.
• College Valley: A wild camping haven, where you’ll feel like you have the whole world to yourself. This remote and unspoiled valley offers tranquil surroundings and incredible wildlife encounters.

Best Time to Visit:

• Autumn & Winter (September – March): The darkest skies for stargazing, with a chance to see the Northern Lights
• Spring & Summer (April – August): Warmer nights make for perfect camping conditions, with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities

Cairngorms National Park

Size: 4,528 km² (Largest national park in the UK)

Region: Scotland, Highlands

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Scotland’s best wild camping destination, with remote and rugged landscapes

✔️ Home to five of the UK’s six highest mountains, making it a dream spot for adventurous campers

✔️ Stunning lochs, forests, and mountain valleys, perfect for those seeking a true escape into nature

✔️ Incredible wildlife spotting, including reindeer, golden eagles, and red deer

Best Camping & Stargazing Spots:

• Glenmore Campsite: A scenic lakeside campsite, perfect for families and first-time campers. Nestled among ancient pine forests with direct access to Loch Morlich, it offers stunning sunset views and some of the clearest night skies in Scotland.
• Loch an Eilein: A secluded camping area near an ancient ruined castle on an island. The peaceful loch reflects the starry skies above, making it an ideal spot for stargazing, wildlife spotting, and a true back-to-nature escape.
• The Cairngorm Plateau: For experienced wild campers, this high-altitude camping spot offers unbeatable mountain views. With minimal light pollution, it provides one of the best locations in the UK for viewing constellations, meteor showers, and even the Northern Lights in winter.

Best Time to Visit:

• Autumn (September – November): A stunning time to see the Highlands in their full golden glory, with cooler but clear nights
• Spring & Summer (May – August): Ideal for camping, with long daylight hours and stunning wildlife
• Winter (December – February): For the bravest adventurers, this is when you’ll see the Cairngorms at their most dramatic and snow-covered

Experience the Beauty of the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a breathtaking expanse of rolling glens, misty lochs, and rugged mountain peaks. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply taking in the dramatic scenery, this wild and untouched landscape offers some of the most spectacular views in the UK. While there are no hot air balloon flights directly over the Highlands, you can still enjoy an unforgettable aerial adventure by exploring balloon rides in Scotland.

More Great National Parks for Camping & Stargazing

• Exmoor National Park (England): A Dark Sky Reserve with some of the best starry night views in the South West.
• Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales): Fantastic for wild camping and spotting the Milky Way.
• Yorkshire Dales National Park (England): Great for peaceful, family-friendly camping with stunning scenery.

Sleep Under the Stars and Wake Up in Nature

As you settle in for the night, camping in the Highlands, beneath England’s darkest skies, or beside a peaceful lake creates an experience like no other. Waking up to misty mountain views, birdsong, and crisp morning air is the perfect way to reset and reconnect with nature.

Not every adventure stays on dry land. If swapping hiking boots for a paddle board or wetsuit sounds appealing, the UK’s national parks have plenty of places to dive in. From kayaking through dramatic gorges to wild swimming in secluded coves, these stunning locations make every splash an unforgettable one.

If adventure means paddling across glassy lakes, sailing toward a golden sunset, or drifting along winding rivers, the UK’s national parks are the perfect playground. Kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming, and scenic boat trips await, with something for every water enthusiast.

From Scotland’s vast, open lochs to the tranquil, reed-fringed waterways of the Norfolk Broads, these stunning locations promise unforgettable aquatic adventures.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Size: 1,865 km²

Region: Scotland, Central Lowlands

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Scotland’s water sports capital, with kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing

✔️ Loch Lomond has over 30 islands, some with hidden beaches and wild camping spots

✔️ Dog-friendly beaches and shallow swimming areas, making it perfect for four-legged adventurers

✔️ Breathtaking scenery, with mountains reflecting on the loch’s surface

Best Water Activities:

• Kayaking & Paddle boarding: The calm waters of Loch Lomond make it perfect for beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore its many islands. Rental options are available around the loch, making it easy to get out on the water.
• Sailing: The loch is big enough for larger boats, and the sailing club at Balloch is a great starting point. With plenty of marinas and mooring spots, it’s a popular location for both leisure sailors and regattas.
• Wild Swimming: The shallow bays at Milarrochy Bay and Luss Beach are ideal for a refreshing dip. The clear waters and scenic backdrop make it one of Scotland’s most beautiful wild swimming spots.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June – August): Warmest water temperatures, perfect for swimming and paddle boarding
• Autumn (September – October): Fewer crowds but still good weather for kayaking and boat trips
• Spring (April – May): Beautiful landscapes with wildflowers blooming along the loch’s edge

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March – May): Clear views with fewer crowds
• Autumn (September – October): Golden landscapes perfect for photographers
• Summer (June – August): The warmest months, but also the busiest

More Great National Parks for Hiking

• Cairngorms National Park (Scotland): Remote and rugged trails with epic mountain scenery
• Peak District National Park (England): Rolling hills and historic walking routes
• Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales): Home to the famous Pen y Fan hike

From the Trails to the Stars

Conquering peaks or wandering along scenic trails, hiking in the UK’s national parks is always an adventure. And turning it into an overnight escape makes the experience even more memorable.

After a full day of exploring, nothing beats camping under a star-filled sky. Some of the UK’s best national parks provide incredible spots for both camping and stargazing, where city lights fade away, and shooting stars take centre stage.

If a night immersed in nature sounds like your kind of adventure, these national parks are perfect for camping and stargazing.

The Broads National Park

Size: 303 km² (Smallest national park in England)

Region: Norfolk & Suffolk, East England

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Known as the "Venice of the East", with over 125 miles of navigable waterways

✔️ Perfect for boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with gentle waters and scenic routes

✔️ A haven for wildlife lovers, home to rare birds, otters, and colourful dragonflies

✔️ Great for families, with plenty of kid-friendly boat trips and nature trails

Best Water Activities:

• Boating & River Cruises: Hire a self-drive boat or join a guided Broads boat tour to explore the peaceful waterways. With over 125 miles of navigable rivers and lakes, it’s one of the best ways to experience this unique landscape.
• Canoeing & Paddle boarding: The calm, sheltered rivers and broads are perfect for beginners and families. Many local hire centres offer guided paddling experiences, making it easy to explore hidden corners of the park.
• Wildlife Watching by Water: Paddle or cruise past reed beds and wetlands, where you might spot otters, kingfishers, and herons. The Broads is home to some of the UK’s rarest species, including the elusive bittern and the colourful swallowtail butterfly.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March – May): The Broads come to life with lush greenery and nesting birds.
• Summer (June – August): The most popular time for boating and water sports.
• Autumn (September – October): Quieter, with golden reed beds and migratory birds arriving.

See The Broads from Above: 

For a different perspective of these stunning waterways, you can take a hot air balloon flight from Norwich. Floating high above the winding rivers and wetlands, you’ll witness the unique patchwork of water and countryside that makes the Broads so special. 

Alternatively, you can explore hot air balloon rides in Norfolk to find the best location for your flight.

More Great National Parks for Water Activities

• Snowdonia National Park (Wales): With mountain lakes and fast-flowing rivers, Snowdonia is perfect for kayaking, wild swimming, and white-water rafting. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), the largest natural lake in Wales, offers calm waters ideal for paddle boarding and canoeing.
• Dartmoor National Park (England): A haven for wild swimming and kayaking, with crystal-clear rivers and hidden pools. The River Dart is perfect for canoeing, while Sharrah Pool and Spitchwick are popular for a refreshing dip.
• Lake District National Park (England): A top spot for boating, wild swimming, and paddle boarding, with countless lakes and rivers to explore. Derwentwater, Ullswater, and Windermere offer breathtaking settings, with boat hire and guided tours available.

From Water to Wilderness

Whether you’re kayaking across Scotland’s largest loch or drifting through the peaceful waterways of the Broads, the UK’s national parks offer unforgettable water-based adventures. But for those who prefer dry land, there are plenty of parks that cater to families and pet-friendly explorers.

Next up! The best national parks for families and pet-friendly adventures. From easy scenic walks to fun outdoor activities that everyone (including your four-legged friends) can enjoy, we’re rounding up the best parks for stress-free days out in nature.

National parks are more than just a haven for hardcore hikers and thrill-seekers. They are fantastic destinations for families and pet owners seeking relaxed trails, scenic picnic spots, and outdoor fun for all ages—including four-legged companions.

Stroll along gentle riverside paths with a pram, let the kids roam freely through open meadows, or wander dog-friendly trails surrounded by nature. These parks create the perfect setting for easygoing adventures with those who matter most.

South Downs National Park

Size: 1,627 km²

Region: Hampshire & Sussex, South East England

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Easy, scenic trails with gentle rolling hills and wildflower meadows

✔️ Great cycling routes, pet-friendly cafes, and plenty of open space for kids and dogs to explore

✔️ Stunning chalk cliffs, including the famous Seven Sisters

Best Family & Dog-Friendly Activities:

• Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk: A coastal classic, with breathtaking white cliffs and ocean views. The wide, open trails offer plenty of space for children to explore and safe, scenic routes for dogs to roam, making it an ideal family-friendly walk.
• South Downs Way: A flat, easy trail, perfect for families with bikes, buggies, and dogs. The well-maintained path stretches for miles, offering gentle gradients, picnic spots, and dog-friendly cafés along the way.
• Queen Elizabeth Country Park: A woodland wonderland, with adventure trails for kids and dog-friendly open spaces. With playgrounds, nature trails, and enclosed areas for off-lead walks, it’s a great destination for a day of outdoor fun.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March – May): The downs are in full bloom, making for scenic wildflower walks
• Summer (June – August): The best time for cycling, family picnics, and coastal walks
• Autumn (September – October): A great time for long dog walks and quiet countryside escapes

Take in the South Downs from Above: 

For a truly spectacular view of the rolling hills and coastline, you can book a hot air balloon ride from East Sussex. Seeing the patchwork countryside and iconic cliffs from the sky is an experience you won’t forget. 

More Great National Parks for Families & Pet-Friendly Adventures

• New Forest National Park (England): A haven for family-friendly walks and cycling, with ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and free-roaming ponies. Plenty of dog-friendly trails and outdoor attractions make it perfect for a day out with the whole family.
• Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales): Ideal for family adventures, with easy waterfall walks, scenic valleys, and open spaces for dogs to explore. The Four Waterfalls Walk is a great choice for families, offering spectacular views and gentle trails.
• Yorkshire Dales National Park (England): With gentle riverside trails, picnic spots, and caves to explore, the Dales are a fantastic place for families. Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls are great for easy walks with stunning views, and many local attractions are pet-friendly.

From Family Trails to Stunning Coastal Walks

Whether you’re walking with the kids, exploring with a dog, or cycling through scenic countryside, these national parks make family days out effortless and enjoyable.

But if ocean views and salty sea air are more your thing, it’s time to head to the coast. The UK’s best national park for coastal walks offers dramatic cliffside trails, golden beaches, and breathtaking sea views.

There’s something truly revitalising about walking along the coast. The fresh sea air, the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs, and the endless ocean views stretching to the horizon create a sense of freedom. If you love rugged coastal landscapes, golden sandy beaches, and scenic cliffside trails, the UK has some stunning national parks that offer unforgettable coastal walks.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Size: 620 km²

Region: West Wales

Why It’s Great:

✔️ One of the most scenic coastal walks in the UK, with dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sea views

✔️ Perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and beachcombing

✔️ Dog-friendly beaches and picturesque harbour towns

✔️ Great for birdwatchers, with puffins, seals, and dolphins often spotted along the coast

Best Coastal Walks:

• Pembrokeshire Coast Path: A stunning 186-mile trail with breathtaking sea views at every turn. The route winds through rugged cliffs, sandy coves, and wildflower-covered headlands, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK.
• Barafundle Bay Walk: A short but scenic route leading to a secluded, golden-sand beach. Often compared to a Caribbean hideaway, this walk rewards visitors with crystal-clear waters, sheltered dunes, and unspoiled natural beauty.
• St Davids Head Coastal Walk: A moderate circular route with cliffside views and ancient ruins. This walk combines archaeological wonders, dramatic rock formations, and a chance to spot seals and seabirds, making it a perfect mix of history and nature.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March – May): Wildflowers bloom along the cliffs, making for a stunning coastal walk
• Summer (June – August): The best time for beach walks and spotting dolphins
• Autumn (September – October): Fewer crowds, making it perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching

More Great National Parks for Coastal Walks

• South Downs National Park (England) – Home to the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, this park offers stunning chalk coastline views and gentle rolling hills. The South Downs Way is a scenic coastal route perfect for walkers of all levels.
• Exmoor National Park (England) – A hidden gem for dramatic coastal scenery, Exmoor boasts clifftop walks, secluded beaches, and breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel. The Valley of Rocks and Heddon’s Mouth are stunning spots to explore.
• North York Moors National Park (England) – With rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and scenic coastal villages, this park is perfect for coastal walking. The Cleveland Way National Trail follows the coastline, offering spectacular sea views and wildlife spotting.

Peak District National Park

Size: 1,437 km²

Region: Derbyshire, East Midlands

Why It’s Great:

✔️ Family-friendly walks, including the iconic Dovedale stepping stones and Mam Tor’s panoramic views

✔️ Lots of dog-friendly trails, open countryside, and woodland picnic spots

✔️ Home to Chatsworth House, a fantastic family-friendly stately home with a farmyard and adventure playground

✔️ Cycle-friendly, with easy routes like the Monsal Trail for family bike rides

Best Family & Dog-Friendly Activities:

• Dovedale Walk & Stepping Stones: A short, scenic walk with iconic river crossings that kids love. The flat, well-maintained trail makes it perfect for young children and dogs, with plenty of spots to paddle in the shallow waters.
• Mam Tor Circular Walk: A gentle hike with incredible views, suitable for older kids and dogs. The gradual ascent and open space allow families and pets to roam freely while taking in the spectacular landscape.
• Chatsworth House & Gardens: A family favourite, with interactive exhibits, a farmyard, and plenty of space to explore. The dog-friendly grounds, scenic picnic areas, and adventure playground make it a great day out for all ages.

Best Time to Visit:

• Spring & Summer (April – August): Perfect for picnics, gentle walks, and exploring historic estates
• Autumn (September – October): Crisp air and beautiful golden landscapes
• Winter (November – February): Cosy country pubs and festive events at Chatsworth House

See the Peak District from Above

For a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies with a Peak District balloon ride. If you love adventure and lush green landscapes, floating above scenic valleys, rugged terrain, and historic villages is an experience you won’t want to miss. Looking for the perfect launch spot? Explore more options and plan your next aerial adventure.

From Clifftops to the Clouds

Adventure is waiting in the UK’s national parks, whether you’re hiking mountain trails, paddling through winding rivers, camping under star-filled skies, or exploring family-friendly paths.

From the towering peaks of Snowdonia to Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastline, these landscapes have something for every explorer. Some parks invite you to slow down with peaceful nature walks and scenic picnic spots, while others push the limits with rugged trails, adrenaline-pumping water activities, and breathtaking vistas.

For those craving a new perspective, nothing compares to drifting high above the countryside in a hot air balloon. From sweeping valleys to shimmering lakes and sprawling open spaces, the view from above makes every adventure feel even more magical.

So grab your backpack, set off on a new journey, and lose yourself in the beauty of the UK’s wild and wonderful landscapes. Where will your next escape take you?